Shock absorber



Feb. 2 1926.

A. J. BRAMLETTE, JR

SHOCK ABSORBER Filed April 2:5

IN VEN TOR .JmmZez//z;

A TTORNE Y.

Patented Feb. 2, 192e.

UNITED STATES 1,571,788 PATENT OFFICE.

ANDBEWYJ. BBAMLETTE, JR., VOIE HUNTINGTON PARK, CALIFORNIA, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-THIRD TO J. C. CRAIG, OF LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA.)

SHOCK ABSORBER.

Application`led prit 23, 1925. Y Serial No. 25,337.

To all whom it man; concern: Be it known that I, ANDREW J. BRAM- Lrrrrn, Jr., a citizen of the United States, re- V siding at Huntington Park, in the county of Los Angeles and State of California, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in ShockAbsorbers, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a shock absorber, more particularly to that class for use in connectionwith motor vehicles, such as automobiles and trucks, but it is to be understood that a shock absorber, in accordance with this invention, can be employed for any purposes for which it isfound applicable, and the invention has for its object provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a. shock absorber having means for readily resisting any sudden shock or impact on the springs -of the vehicle that might occur from striking an obstruction or rut in a highway, thereby preventing damage to the springs on rebound.

y A further object of the invention is to provide, in a manner as hereinafter. set forth, a shock absorber, having means for stabilizing the body of the vehicle incidental .to thel travelling over rough or uneven road surfaces, so as to overcome quick depression or `rebound of the vehicle springs. A further object of th'e'inventlon 1s to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a shock absorber of the fluid type,

having adjustable means for controlling the displacement of the liquid, as may be desire-d under different conditions with respect to loads or roads, thereby insuring asatisfactory shock absorbing action during the travel. of the vehicle.

Further objects ofthe invention are to provide, rin a manner as hereinafter set forth, a shock absorber of the fluid type,

which is simple' inv its construction and arrangement, strong, durable, compact, thoroughly efficient in its use, conveniently adjusted, readily installed with respect to a motor vehicle, and comparatively inexpensive to manufacture.

lith the foregoing and. other objects in view, the invention consists ot the 'novel construction, combination and arrangement of parts, as hereinafter more specifically described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein is shown an embodiment of the invention, but it is to be understood pharacters shock absorber, in accordance with this in 1 vention, comprises a fluid container consisting of a cylindrical body portion 1, having an open top and a closed bottom. The body portion 1 can be of any desired length and diameter. The periphery of the body por-1 tion 1, at its upper end terminal part, is threaded, as at 2. The bottom of the body portion 1 is generally referred to by thc reference character 3, and comprises a tapered portion 4, which merges into a polygonah shaped portion 5. The latter terminates in a cylindrical portion 6 merging into a spherical portion 7 of greater diameter than the cylindrical portion 6.

The bodyportion 1, at a point between its transverse center and upper end, is formed with a pair of diametrically opposed openings 8, 9, and each of which forms a combined inlet'and outlet for the fluid chamber 10 provided by the body portion 1. The fluid in the chamber 10 is indicated at 11 and may consist of a body of oil or other suitable material adapted to be displaced to setup a shock absorbing action. 'The body portion 1, between its transverse center and its lower end, is formed with a pair of diametrically opposed openings 12, 13 and each of which also provides a combined inlet and outlet for the chamber10.

Formed integral with the body portion 1, as well as extending laterally therefrom in opposite directions. is a pair of diametrically opposed webs .14, 15, which not only. constitute a pair of partitions, but further means for coupling a pair of channel-shaped members 1G, 17, centrally thereof, to the body portion 1.

The channel-shaped members 16v and 17 at their upper and lower ends, as at 13, 19, respectively. The members 1G and 1T are of a length to extend above the openings 8 and 9 and below the openings 12 and 13, and the sides and ends of each of said members are integral with the body portion 1.

The web 14, in connection with the mem- `berlG and body portion 1, forms upper and lower fluid receiving compartments 2O and 21 respectively. The web 15, in connection with the member 17 and body portion 1, provides 'upper and lower fluid receiving compartments 22, 23 respectively. The compartments 20, 21, 22 and 23 communicate with the chamber 10 through the medium of the openings 8, 12, 9 and 13 respectively.

The compartment 29 communicates with the compartment 21 through the medium of a valved passage 24 extending through the web 14. The passage 24 gradually increases in diameter from its center towards each end thereof, and from its center towards each end of said passage the latter inclines towards the body portion 1. The valve for controlling the passage 24 is of the ball type and is indicated at 25. An opening 26 disposed at right angles with re spect to the body portion 1, extends through the web 14 and outer side of the member 15. The opening 26, at its inner end, com municates with the passage 24, and the valve 25 is shiftably mounted in said open ing 26. Arranged the opening 26 and bearing against the valve 25 is a controlling spring 27 therefor, which has its tension adjusted through the medium of an adjusting screw 28, which threadedly engages with the wall of the'opening 2G.

The compartment 22 communicates with the conrpartment V2 3 through the medium of a valved passage 29 extending through the web 15. The passage 29 gradually increases in diameter from its center toward each end thereof, and from its center toward each end of said passage the latter inclines toward the body portion 1. The valve for controlling the passage 29 is of the ball type and is indicated at 30. An opening 31 disposed at, right angles with respect to the body portion l, extends through the web 15 and outer side of the member 17. The opening 31, at its inner end, conimunicates` with the passage 29, and the valve 30 is shiftably mounted in said opening 31. Arranged in theV opening 31 and bearing against the valve 30 is a controlling spring 32 therefor, which has its tension adjusted throu h the medium of an adjusting screw 33, w ich threadedly engages with the wall of the opening 31.

The wall of the passage 24 is formed with a seat 34 for the valve 25, and the wall of the passage 29 is formed with a valve seat 35 for the valve 30. The seats 34 and Lat/was 35 are disposed centrally oit the passages 24, 29 respectively. The adjusting screws 2S and 32, in connection with the springs 2T and 33, provide means for controlling the shift of the valves 25 and 3() for the purpose of controlling' the displacement of the fluid 11 when passing 'from compartments 2O and 22 to compartments 21 and 23, or when passing from] compartments 21 and 23 to com pertinents 2() and The compartments` 20, 21, in connection with the passage 24, provide a bypass for the displaced fluid from the upper to the lower, or from the lower to the upper ends ot the chamber 10, and the compartments 22, 23, in connection with the passage 29, provide a by-pass for the displaced fluid from the upper to the lower and from the lower to the upper ends of the chamber 19. The openings 8, 9, 12 and 13 coact with the chamber 10 and compartments 2l), 2l, 22 and 23 to provide for the by-pass of the displaced fluid from one end to the other end o'f the cylinder.

The upper end 18 ot the member 17 is formed with an opening 36 closed by a removable plng 3i', and the bottom. 19 of the n'ieinber 1G is provided with an opening 38 closed by a screw plug 39. The openings 35i and 3G are employed lordraining, filling, cleaning or lfor any other desired purposes.

The upper end ol the body portion 1 is closed by an interiorly threaded cap 40, which threadcdly engages with the threads 2 on the periphery ot the body portion 1. Then cap 40 is formed with an opening 4l of 'substantial diameter and which has the wall thereof threaded, and formed integral with the inner face ot the lcap 40 is a substantially elongated sleeve 42, having its inner diameter the saire as the diameter ol' Jthe opening 41 and with the upper portion ot the inner fasc ot said sleeve 42 flush with the wall ot the opening 41. The inner face ot' the sleeve 42, for a portion of its length, is threaded, as at 43, and said threads form a continuation of the threads of the wall of the opening 41. The lower portion of the sleeve 42 is inset, as at 44, and said inset portion is of tapered contour and provided at its lower end with an inwardly extending flange 45. The opening formed by the flange is of materially less diameter than the diameter of the opening 41.

Operating in the chamber 10 is a fluid dis placing element and which comprises a piston head 4G oi a diameter to snugly engage the wall of the chamber 10. The head 46 is formed with a pair ot diametrically opposed sockets 47, which o Jen at the upper face ot the head 46, and tlie latter is furthermore provided with a pair of diametrically opposed sockets 48 o iening at the lower face of the head 46. 'ILhe sockets 47 vare alternately disposed with respect to the sockets 'equi-distant from each other.

48 and the' said sockets 47 and 48 arespaced The lower portion of the head 46 is formed with a pair of diametrically opposed ports 49, and each ot' which opens into a socket 47, and the upper portion ot said head '46 is formed with a pair of diametrically opposed ports and each of which opens into a socket48. The inner wall of each of said sockets, as indicated at 51, is of tapered contour to provide a valved seat. The outer end of each ot said sockets has mounted therein a spider 52,

. ot' a thickness to be spaced a substautial'distance from the inner wall ot the socket. Arranged in each socket 47 isa'ball valve 53, and arranged 1n each socket 48 1s a ball valve 54. lnterposed between the ball valves and the spider,.within said sockets, is a yvalved controlling spring 55. The valves 53 move to open position and the, valves 54 to closed position when the piston head 46 moves-downwardly, and the valves `.54fmove to open position and the valves 53 to closed position when the piston head 46 moves upwardly. The. pistonihead46 is formed with a centrally disposed opening 56 of greater diameter than either one of the sockets.

The fluid displacing element further includes a piston rod 57, having its upper terminal portion reduced, as at 58, and which terminates into a globular portion 59. Thelower end of the piston rod 57 is reduced, as at 60, thereby providing a shoulder 61, and slidably mounted on the reduced end 6() is the piston head 46. The reduced end 60 extends through the opening 56 in the piston head 46 and carries a washer 62 and a securing nut 63. The washer 62 abuts against the lower face of the piston 46. Surrounding the reduced end 60 ofthe piston rod57, andinterposed between the shoulder 61 andthe piston head 46, is a coiled controlling spring 64 for the piston head 46. The .mounting of the pistonhead 46 on the piston rod 57 in the manner as stated, permits the spring to take up the first,l rebound and which will also provide for an operative shift of the piston head in the event that any ot the valves carried thereby, become stuck by any means whatsoever. i Il. t The piston rod 57 extends down through the cap and sleeve 42 and mounted in the latter and surrounding the piston rod 57 is a packing 65 retained in position by a gland 66, which thrcadcdly engages with the wall of the opening` 41 and the threads 43 of the sleeve 42. T his` arrangement prevents'leaklne. y

`rzThe cylindrical bod \v portion 1 is adapted to be connected to a part ot the vehicle, such as an axle, and the fiuidv displacing element is tobe attached to the body or frame of the vehicle and duringthe travel of the ve- 'hicle` the said `element will have a vertical movement relative to the axle. The globular end 59 of the body portion l is seated in a vsocket 67 formed in an apertured disk 68,

slidably mounted yin a pocket 69, formed in the inner end of a support 7 O'provided with a peripherally threaded extension 71, carry-` the support to the axle of the vehicle.

The support 70 is flanged,as at 76. and which 'flange overlaps one end of the pocket 69. which is'indicated at 7 7, is formed with an opening 78, having the wall thereot` threaded, and threadedly engaging with said wall is an abutment 79 which is further secured to the support 70 by acotter pin 80. Interposed between the abutment 79 and the disk 68l is a coiledcontrolling spring 8l which tends to maintain the disk l68 against the forward end-wall of `the pocket 69. The spherical ends 7 of the body portion 1, in connection with the disk 68, set up a ball and socket joint between the body portion 1 and the support 70, and the latterin connection with the elements carried thereby, provides a spring controlledy connection between the lower endl of the body portion 1 and the vehicle axle.

The means for connecting the fluid displacing element with the body portion or frame of the vehicle is the same as the support- 70 and the elements carried thereby, other than that the wing and clamping member are dispensed with. The support or coupling connection between the upper end 59 of thel displacement element and the vehicle body or frame, comprises a disk 82 formed with a socket 83 for the cud 59. The disk`82 is mounted in a pocket 84, formed in a support 85, and the latter is provided with a flange 86 which overlaps the disk 82. The support further includes a threaded stem 87 carrying a washer 88 and a securing nut 89 for ixedly securing the stem 87 lo the vehicle body or frame; 'lhreadedly engagiiigavith the. support is an abutment inember. 90, secured against displacement by 'a Cotter pin 91. Interposed between the abutment 90 and disk 82 is a coiled controlling spring 92.

The chamber 10 and compartments are suitably filled with a body of oil or other Huid and as the piston head 46 moves upwardly-,or downwardly, incidental to the action of the springs oflthe vehicle, the fluid iscaused to flow from one side to the other side oi the piston by the force thereof and the. opening of the ball valves.

The construction of the shock absorber is such that it provides for the stabliziug of the bodv'portion of the vehicle incidental and furthermore it overcomes the quick de- The rear end of the support 70. and` pression or quick rebound of the vehicle springs, due to the fact of the valve control means for they displacing ot' the Huid in the chamber 1t). then -l'urthermore the control of the. displaced fluid can be regulated as required for ditl'crent conditions of loads or roads, and it is thought that the nianv advantages oi a shock absorber, in accor( ance with this invention, can be readily understood, and although the preferred e1nbodi ment ol' the invention is as illustrated and dcscribeih -vet it is to be. understood that changes in the details of constructitm can be had which will 'fall within the scope ot' the invention as claimed.

lllhatl claim isz-- i. In a shock absorber oli the fluid dis placement type, a fluid displacingr element comprisincY a piston rod having" a reduced inner end providing a shoulder, a piston head slidablv mounted on said inner end and provided with ports for the passage ot the lluid. rcverselv acting valves controllingr said ports. and resilient means on said rod between said shoulder and head for cushiouinaA the latter.

2. ln a shock absorber, a fluid containing; cylinder having.r means to provide tor the displacement ot the tluid carried thereby. a iluid displacing element opcratin,"r in and including a piston rod projecting from one end oi said cylinder, means to providea spring' controlled ball and socket 4connection directly between the outer end of said rod and the body or frame of a vehicle, and means to provide a spring;- controlled ball and socket connection between the other end ot said cylinder and the rvle of the vehicle.

23. In a shock absorber, a fluid containing cylinder provided with ,means to form at each side. thereof a pair of fluid hy-passes extending lengthwise ot the cylinder and each opening at each end into the latter, said means includingr an integral ported partition intersecting cach of said ily-passes centrally and a controllable valve centrally within and centrally ot each partition for regulating the passage ot' the fluid through its respective liv-pass. the port in each partition opening' into a by-pass and extended at an inclination from each end towards its center, the center ot said port. providing a seat for the valviff-eacli ot said valves common to the travel of the tluid in either direction through its respective hy-pass.

Larmes e. In combination, a shock absorber provided with a spherical enlargement exteriorly of each end, and means associated with said enlargements to provide a universal joint connection between each end oi the absorber and a part of the vehicle with which tl i absorber is used.

In combination, a shock absorber inchilling a pair of coacting cushioning elcments, one shiftable relatively to the other, onel of' said elements extending into, the. other, each of said elements havingr its outer end provided with a spherical enlargement, and means associated with said enlargements to provide universal joint connection between the outer end of each of said elements and a part of the vehicle with which the absorber is used.

t3. In combination, a shock absorber provided with a spherical enlargement exteriorly of each end thereof, and means associated with said enlargen'ients to provide a spring,r controlled universal joint connection between each end thereof and a part of the vehicle with which the absorber is used.

T. In fo1nbination, a shock absorber in cluding a pair of eoacting cushioning elements, one shiftable relative to the other, one ot' said elements extending into the other, each ot said elements having a spherical outer end, and means associated with said enlargements to provide a spring controlled universal joint connection between the outer end of each of said elements and parts of the vehicle with which the absorber is used.

8. In a shock absorber, a fluid containing cylinder havinr a closed lower end and an open upper end, means connected with said cylinder to provide a pair of fluid bypasses and an vintegral partition intersecting centrally each by-pass and formed with an oppositely extending inclined 'port opening into that by-pass with which it associates a cap for closing;r the upper end oi said cylin der, a controlling valve mounted in each ot said partitions and r-atiing centrally of the inclined port therein a sleeve dependin from the lower face of the cap into said cylinder, a fluid displacing element extended through said cap and sleeve, and a packing means secured in said `sleeve for said element.

In testimony whereof, I affix my signature hereto. Y

ANDREW' J. BRAMLETTE, JR.' 

